Mark Nadler
Mark Nadler
The Cabaret at Germano’s, Baltimore, MD, March 17, 2017
Reviewed by Michael Miyazaki for Cabaret Scenes
Mark Nadler
Photo: Lou Montesano
Mark Nadler opened his show at Germano’s saying, “… a Jew in an Italian restaurant—it’s the perfect way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!” As he sang “Look to the Rainbow,” one had to wonder if there was such a thing as a six-foot-two leprechaun. He continued in this puckish vein, pointing out that the song was written by two Jewish men.
In the rest of the two sets that followed, Nadler gave an exhibition of the dying craft of the saloon singer/pianist as high cabaret art. In his apparently improvised show, he treated the audience to a variety of numbers that had obviously been honed with years of work. These included: a sizzling version of “That Old Black Magic,” with a piano solo that seemed to use every key on the piano; his psychological assessment of Tchaikovsky, followed by a version of the “The Ugly Duckling” with interludes from Swan Lake; and trademark versions of “’S Wonderful” and “I Love a Piano.” One of the highlights of the evening was his version of Cole Porter’s “Can-Can” —it is the first time this reviewer has ever seen a singer/pianist do a full, solo production number, replete with forty-five verses of the song and high kicks.
Like all the best saloon pianists, Nadler customized his performance to the audience, highlighting guests in attendance. He performed several songs by Larry Kerchner, including the very, very, very funny “A Jewish Christmas.” Broadway veteran Nancy McCall made a guest appearance, with a wry reading of “Something Cool,” and a tender rendition of “Until the Real Thing Comes Along.”
Category: Cabaret Reviews, DC/Maryland/Virginia, DC/Maryland/Virginia Cabaret Reviews, Regional
